Is Cash Deposit Refundable Before Contract Is Signed?

[Cgekjoon 0]

Hi,

I was asked to pay a deposit of $200 when Design Tray Interior came to my house to do measurement. I was told that the amount will be offset from the final bill. No receipt was issued to me.

Thereafter, Design Tray Interior send me a hand-written quotations, which bear no authorised signature and company logo. Upon my request for a formal quotation, their response became sluggish. Later, they were totally uncontactable. I lost confidence in them and sought help from CASE to ask for refund of my deposit.

However, Design Tray Interior insisted that the deposit is non-refundable though there was no document given that says so.

I wonder, is it a common practice in the industry to ask customer for deposit before any contract is signed? Is there any law protects consumer against such a practice?

May anyone who is versed in this area shed some light for the welfare of all consumers.

Thanks.

[Johnchewbl 0]

Hi,

I have never heard about paying a deposit for the ID to come over to your place just to do measurements but however, a deposit before a contract is signed is possible.

Usually the agreement lies between the both of you or if you're uncomfortable, you should ask for a black and white certifing your deposit and whether if it is refundable.